This water soft path case study was initiated by the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) in partnership with the POLIS Project on Ecological Governance, the Township of Centre Wellington (TCW), the Elora Environment Centre, and the University of Waterloo. The recommended approach for Fergus-Elora is to “use the same water tomorrow we use today,” which will accommodates all future population and economic growth to 2040, and beyond, using the same amount of water used in 2008.

To download PDF files of the technical appendices and an associated residential water-use survey for Fergus-Elora, click here.

Forsyth, S., and D.B. Brooks, 2011. "Applying water soft path analysis in an agricultural region of Canada." Water International 36(7), 894–907.

The current study extends past work on water soft path analysis in breadth and in depth: in breadth by studying an area devoted to large-scale prairie agriculture, and in depth by adding direct interaction with water managers and citizens of the Pembina Valley Conservation District in the Province of Manitoba, Canada. The main conclusion from the study is that the region can continue to be a prosperous and attractive place in which to live and to farm for at least 30 years without a single additional drop of water.

Brooks, D.B., and O.M. Brandes, 2011. "Why a Water Soft Path, Why Now and What Then?" International Journal of Water Resources Development27(2), 315–344.

The best way to achieve a sustainable future for fresh water is to develop decision-making processes, institutions, and technologies that emphasize both efficiency and conservation. These two terms are commonly treated as synonyms, but, respectively, they reflect anthropogenic and ecological bases for making decisions. Recognizing that both perspectives are valid, this article outlines a new approach to water planning and management called the water soft path. This approach differs fundamentally from conventional, supply-based approaches. The article reviews the transfer of the original soft path concept from energy to water, and summarizes the first applications of water soft path analytics to specific geographic areas: one urban area, one province, and one watershed in Canada. The article concludes with suggestions for further research, as well as steps to improve recognition of the water soft path as a planning tool that can move management and policies towards economic, ecological, and social sustainability.

This handbook provides an overview of conservation-oriented water pricing for decision-makers, water utilities, and service providers in Canada. It explains how water pricing works, what the benefits are, and how water utilities can implement conservation-oriented water pricing structures. It also offers advice on how to address implementation challenges, including how to avoid penalizing low-income families and how to maintain revenue stability for water utilities.

Maas, C., 2010. Ontario’s Water-Energy Nexus: Will We Find Ourselves in Hot Water… or Tap into Opportunity?—POLIS Research Report 10-01. Victoria: POLIS Project on Ecological Governance, University of Victoria.

This report offers the first estimate of the large quantities of energy used to pump, treat, and heat water, and to generate steam in Ontario. The study reveals that pumping and treating water and wastewater consumes enough energy to light every home in the province. As a result of these findings, initiatives to support greater water conservation and efficiency could be a path to realizing future energy savings, to the benefit of municipalities, taxpayers and our environment. To download the technical appendices assoicated with this report, click here.

This water soft path case study was developed by the POLIS Water Sustainability Project team in collaboration with the Salt Spring Island Water Council. Water supply and quality are issues on parts of Salt Spring, with some drinking water lakes being close to their capacity to meet current demand and future commitments for additional supply, and difficulties with private wells particularly on the north end of the island. This strategy offers direction to Salt Spring's growing water use by recommending a commitment to “preserving water supplies for the next generation.”

2009

Brandes, O.M., L. Nowlan, and K. Paris, 2009. Going with the Flow? Evolving Water Allocations and the Potential and Limits of Water Markets in Canada. Conference Board of Canada: Canada.Full Report

This report describes some of the key mechanisms available to allocate water in times of scarcity, with a particular focus on markets and market mechanisms. It highlights some of the advantages and disadvantages, as well as recent experiences in jurisdictions—such as Alberta—that have begun to include markets formally in their water allocation framework.

Meeting Ontario’s commitment to slow the progression of climate change will take more than changing light-bulbs. It will require all sectors to diligently look for opportunities to reduce waste and increase efficiency. This study, the first of its kind in Canada, suggests a significant untapped opportunity exists for water conservation to reduce energy, save municipal dollars and mitigate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions:

“The energy savings associated with pumping 20% less water in 2029 could achieve a whopping 34% of the reported energy reduction potential for Ontario municipalities” (Maas 2009).

Brandes, O.M., D.B. Brooks, and S. Gurman (eds.), 2009. Making the Most of the Water We Have: The Soft Approach to Water Management. London: Earthscan Books.